My Fathers Wardrobe

[Vectorxw8]

My father's wardrobe collected over the years. I am trying to figure out when it was made and what it may be worth.

[Highlander31]

The jacket appears to have what may be a registration number printed on it. Depending on what the number actually is, tracking it down may give you an approximate date of manufacture.

That's an interesting kilt pin, does it have a jeweler's mark on the back?

[Vectorxw8]

I have not found any makers mark on the kilt pin. The stone does appears to be amethyst. My father collected items for some 60 years and most things he told me he just picked up along the way. So I am having the fun of trying to figure it all out. Scott

[Guinness>water]

To find out if the stones are real, you could heat a needle up in a flame and then touch it to the stone(in an inconspicuios place, of course). If it goes in, its fake.

[Vectorxw8]

Yes, That was the test I used to confirm its amethyst. But I could not find a makers mark on it.

[Hawk]

It was your Fathers......it's worth a lifetime of memories and cannot be compared to monetary value......enjoy it..........

Hawk

[guardsman]

The kilt pin is very handsome bit of kit , obviously your father had good taste

[MacLowlife]

You may wish to look at this thread about Hugh MacPherson: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...inburgh-59417/

I do not know whether the label number on the HT jacket is unique to the garment or to the bolt of fabric, or possibly to the weaver.

As for value, beyond the sentimental value to you, I expect a jacket of regular proportions could fetch between $100 and $200 in the right circumstances, maybe a little more. A kilt might do the same, assuming someone was interested in that particular tartan. Opinions vary widely on the desirability / advisability / propriety of wearing a tartan without a particular connection. As the price goes down, so do many people's scruples.

There may be a clan association that can provide you with a buyer. Do a little checking and see if you can find someone interested before you just throw it onto the marketplace.

While the traditional way of making a kilt has been by measurement fitted to the individual wearer, it generally comes down to two or three key figures- much like a pair of trousers can be reduced ( crudely) to waist and leg length. Kilts smaller than 32-34 inches around the waist are easy to find and cheap, as kilt wearing is widely known to increase one's waist size. If you know your father's size when he had his kilt made, it might be helpful.

Keep the pin- it doesn't eat or need painting and it won't rot. It also doesn't take up much space. You will probably never need money badly enough to let it go. I hope not.

[Thomas H]

if it fits you then it is worth millons , of wonderful times wearing it .
it not then I am sorry ,that could have been nice knowing you were wearing your fathers kilt.
I would have loved to have had my dads kilt .
(lol my dad would not have worn one ) but thats another thread indeed.

but from looking at what it would cost to buy it all - may be around $ 700.00

[Guinness>water]

Man, your dad doesn't want to keep it in the family?

Like others have said, its a real treat to have those things passed down through the generations.

Real stones and silver mounts on the dirk would make that a very expensive item.